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Tyler ISD Early College High School students receive TJC degrees before high school diplomas

Tyler ISD Early College High School students receive TJC degrees before high school diplomas

Published: Friday, 15th May 2020

Tyler Junior College and Tyler Independent School District administrators have announced that 70 Tyler ISD students from its Early College High School are a part of the Spring 2020 graduates at TJC.

In addition, 97% of the students have earned an associate degree from TJC – before graduating high school.

The Early College High School program allows students to receive a high school diploma and an associate degree, or up to two years of college credit, by taking a mixture of high school and college classes.

TJC and Tyler ISD developed the Early College High School program in 2015. The mission of the program is to provide all ECHS students with a quality education that blends high school and the first two years of college. Students are exposed to a rigorous curriculum preparing them to perform in a globally competitive society. This is the second year for students in the program to graduate from both Tyler ISD and TJC. In spring 2019, 78 ECHS graduates received an associate degree from TJC before their high school graduation.

TJC President Dr. Juan E. Mejia shared, “Among our priorities at TJC are Educational Excellence and Authentic Partnerships, and the Early College High School partnership between the Tyler Independent School District and Tyler Junior College is a true testament of what collaboration and synergy can accomplish. We are honored to be partners in this innovative way to significantly improve degree attainment, in our very own region. The outcomes are amazing, and we extend congratulations to every student, faculty, staff and administrator who had a role with this East Texas win.”

“Tyler ISD’s Early College High School is an Innovative School of Choice serving as a powerful motivator for students to work hard and reach academic success,” Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford said. “ECHS gives students a jump start on college and helps students and their families save time and money by integrating high school and college.”

Valedictorian of the 2020 ECHS class is Jocelyn Kong and salutatorian is Aiden Brown.

Jocelyn Kong – Early College High School Valedictorian
Jocelyn Kong, daughter of Tsang Tsung Kong and Kuen Man Kong, plans to attend The University of Texas at Tyler and plans to declare a major once in school. She was a member of the National Honor Society, UIL Mathematics team, Mu Alpha Theta, and was a Junior Achievement and PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) volunteer. She has been an AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) student since middle school. Jocelyn is a member of Phi Theta Kappa at Tyler Junior College for maintaining a GPA over 3.5 for 60 credit hours. As an ECHS student, Jocelyn also earned an associate degree from TJC. Congratulations, Jocelyn!

Aiden Brown – Early College High School Salutatorian
Aiden Brown, son of Jonathon Brown and Laney Glover, plans to enlist in the Army and become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Aiden was a member of the National Honor Society as well as Phi Theta Kappa at Tyler Junior College for maintaining a GPA over 3.5 for 60 credit hours. As an ECHS student, Aiden also earned an associate degree from TJC. Thank you for your willingness to serve our country, Aiden!

In addition to Tyler ISD, TJC has an Early College High School agreement with Chapel Hill ISD.

Tyler Junior College gives equal consideration to all applicants for admission, employment and participation in its programs and activities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, veteran status or limited English proficiency (LEP). Tyler Junior College respects the legal rights of each person to work and learn in an environment that is free from unlawful sexual discrimination including sexual harassment and sexual violence.